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Learn What to Look for When Choosing a Moving Company

January 29, 2014

Simple Solutions for Choosing Among Moving Companies

If you have ever had to make a choice among moving companies for a local or long distance move, you know the decision is not always easy. Whether you have had to hire a moving company in the past or this will be your first time, here are some tips and basic steps to make the decision a little easier for you.

Don't fall victim to moving scams! Watch out for these indicators when evaluating moving companies:

Moving companies that ask for cash deposits before they begin moving your items is a definite red flag.

Check moving companies' websites to ensure they have a physical address in your area. Having no address or just listing a P.O. Box could be an indicator the business is not legitimate.

Look for licensing info on the companies' site. The companies should be licensed and insured.

Also, check moving companies' websites to see if they are members of organizations like the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). When companies are members of these organizations, it is often an indicator they are committed to providing good customer service.

Rogue movers and other moving scams pose a real threat, and unfortunately the internet has made it easier for such scams to thrive. This underscores why it is so important to not only evaluate pricing, but also the reputation and experience of moving companies when making your decision.

In addition to using the above signs of a scam, following the steps outlined below can be a great way to make the right choice among moving companies.

Starting off

Word of mouth can be a great asset in selecting moving companies. Ask your friends if they have had positive experiences with any local moving companies.

Ask your Long Realtor about moving companies in your area that are affiliates in the Long Advantage Program.

When evaluating moving companies online or in phone books, keep in mind that simply having a website or a large ad does not make a company legitimate.

Once you've made a list of prospects, contact the companies via phone to get the full company name and "doing business as" names, the number of years in business, address and phone numbers, website and email addresses, references and DOT and MC license numbers.

Then go to SaferSys.org, a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website, and search for the company using the DOT and MC license numbers to see safety information, any orders to cease operation, licensing and other information. You can also check with the Better Business Bureau or other consumer organizations in your local area.

Obtaining price estimates

Reputable moving companies will want to visit your home or facility in order to provide an accurate estimate, so be sure to schedule at least two visits.

Beware of quotes given on the phone or over the Internet. The way you describe your belongings and the way a moving company views them could differ, leading to changes in pricing. Additionally, when you move across state lines, you will find that your charge is based on the actual weight of the load being transported, as well as your starting point and destination. A face-to-face meeting will clear these points up and ensure accurate pricing from the beginning.

During the on-site estimate, take the time to show the representative every item you wish to have moved. You could easily overlook items in the basement or the major piece of furniture you have sent away for repairs, but doing so could lead to additional charges at moving time. And remember, this should be a two-way conversation. The mover should be asking you lots of questions so they can price the job accurately and prepare adequately for the move, and you should feel free to ask any questions you need in order to assure your confidence in the company.

Inquire about "valuation" options. Valuation provides protection from loss or damage to your possessions. The valuation option you choose determines the basis upon which any claim will be adjusted and the maximum liability of the mover. The liability of a mover for loss or damage is based upon the mover's tariffs, as well as federal laws and regulations, and has certain limitations and exclusions. Valuation is not insurance; it is simply a tariff-based level of motor carrier liability.

Be wary of quotes that are substantially lower than the rest. "Low-ball" price quotes could result in significantly lower quality service, or they could be an indication of a mover who plans to "up" the price in a moving scam. One of the many horror stories shared by victims of moving fraud involves a rogue mover taking household goods "hostage" and demanding large sums of money – sometimes thousands of dollars – before returning the possessions. (In these cases, the mover often gives the customer a low bid, and then ups the price once the goods are on the truck.)

Names and reputations set moving companies apart

It can be tempting to choose a mover that promises to offer the lowest price. But when you are considering something as important as moving your possessions, as well as the significant investment involved in moving, you are far better off selecting from one of the "brand name" moving companies. Moving is an area where experience counts and reputation is well-earned, because taking a chance with the wrong moving companies could be costly in more ways than one.
Evaluating multiple moving companies' estimates

References are important. If a mover wasn't recommended by someone you know, ask for the names and phone numbers of satisfied customers. Then call them!

Consider the attentiveness of the salesperson. Do you have confidence that he or she will be there to help you through planning, packing and loading?

Take a drive past the mover's office or warehouse. Does it reflect the level of quality and professionalism you expect in a service provider?

Movers are required by law to provide you with a copy of the brochure, "Your Rights and Responsibilities." In this brochure, the "110% Rule" is explained. The rule states that under a non-bonding estimate, the mover cannot require you to pay more than the amount of the original estimate, plus 10 percent, at the time of delivery. You are obligated to pay any remaining charges over the 110 percent amount, within 30 days.

The Importance of timing

Make arrangements for your move well in advance – at least four to six weeks before the moving date. If at all possible, try not to move when everyone else wants to move. Throughout the year, the end of the month is a busy time for movers, because of the expiration of leases and preferred closing dates. The summer months – May to mid-September, when children are out of school, are "peak season" for movers. Schedule summertime moves as far in advance as possible...and again, try to stay away from month-end moving dates.

What to do when scams occur

Unfortunately, some consumers will still fall victim to rogue movers this year. Fortunately, there is a service called MoveRescue available to help. Those who feel they may have been scammed should contact MoveRescue at 800-832-1773. Consumers who call this number will talk to a representative who will assess the situation and direct the caller through the appropriate next steps. MoveRescue, which is supported by a network of legal firms throughout the United States, and sponsored by leading van lines, serves as a central source for consumers who need legal assistance or anti-fraud information. In some cases, MoveRescue even offers "Shipment Rescue" for goods being held by rogue movers.